Prayer for Others: Job 42

Here’s a prayer of intercession inspired by the scripture readings for Proper 25, Year B. It was written by Jonathan Fleming, Minister of Cumbrae w Largs St. John’s, and posted on the Church of Scotland’s Weekly Worship website.

 

Prayer of Intercession

(inspired by Job 42: 1-17)

 

It was a despairing Job who prayed for his friends.

It was Job who had lost everything

who asked God’s blessing on others.

It was Job who found restoration

in his concern for others.

 

Lord God, we despair at the state of our world

and the actions of many within it.

And so we have nothing to lose

in offering our prayers for friend and stranger,

those known and unknown to us.

 

We pray believing that You will rekindle hope

where it has been lost

and living where there is mere life.

Among families and friends where there is strife and conflict,

bring reconciliation.

 

Between countries and faiths who speak through bombs and bullets,

send peace.

To the refugee, forced from home and unsure of the future,

give comfort.

For the abused and the destitute,

create a place of safety.

 

And as we pray for our friends, Lord,

reconcile us to You and to one another;

help us to share the riches of Your grace

with those around us

that our days, and theirs

may be full of love and light. Amen.

 

~ Jonathan Fleming, Minister of Cumbrae w Largs St. John’s and posted on the Church of Scotland’s Weekly Worship website. http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/